Combination furniture



March 27, 1951 Filed May 2, 1945 s. L. CONRAD 61151 COMBINATION FURNITURE 4 Sheets-Sheet l 7 E r o o O P, V

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'iNVENTOR SAMUEL L. CONRAD ATTORNEY March 27, 1951 COMBINATION FURNITURE Filed May 2, 1945 S. L. CONRAD IOOI I l I I IIOOI FIGS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVE NTOR SAMUE L L. CON RAD AT TO RNEY March 27, 1951 CONRAD 2,546,851

COMBINATION FURNITURE Filed May 2, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 O 0 I6 0 IS 3' run -H||i O 41M; D 14 22 i 0 INVENTOR SAMUEL L. CONRAD BY Mm ATTORNEY March 27, 1951 Filed May 2, 1945 s. CONRAD 2,546,851

COMBINATION FURNITURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 O 0 9 o 0 I O O 2| 22 FIG.7

l4 d INVENTOR 1 4 \7 SAMUEL L. CONRAD B 3 M2 Y V FICA ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 27, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I COMBINATION FURNITURE Samuel L. Conrad, Columbus, Ohio Application May 2, 1945, Serial No. 591,563

9 Claims.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to combination furniture.

There are many types of combination furniture each, after its own fashion, combining two or more pieces. There are few combining more than two pieces and when attempts to combine more than two are made the result, usually, is awkward complication and low efficiency. Occasionally an exercising device is combined with a piece of furniture but in such cases the combined device either has low efficiency as an exercising device or else it is not satisfactory as a piece of furniture.

The objects of the present invention are to provide a simple and compact piece of furniture avoiding all above disadvantages and providing in one assembly a considerable number of pieces of furniture each complete in itself and a muscle kneading and massaging device forming part and parcel of the assembly, each of the furniture pieces being very readily convertible from the assembly with least possible operation, at will.

Amon the furniture pieces producible from the assembly are a low or coffee table, a bedheight bedside table, bedside table and bookrack, an easel, a scooter and a muscle kneading or massaging device for either the foot muscles or the calf muscles.

In order to more clearly disclose the construction, operation and use of the invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings forming part of the present application.

Throughout the several figures of the drawings, like. reference characters designate the same .parts in the different views.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side view with extension legs applied;

Fig. 2 is a left hand elevation of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view, collapsed;

Fig. 4 is a side view collapsed;

Fig. 5 is a side view set up as a coffee table;

Fig. 6 is a side view set up as an easel;

Fig. 7 is a side view set to massage the calf;

Fig. 8 is a cross section showing the locking pin for the slot closure block;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross section showing the tie-rod connection for the extension legs, in

place;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail of the tie-rod; and

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail of the spring lock for the side rails.

It will be well understood that the invention may be made of any suitable material such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. 'When made of metal various parts may be stamped, rolled or otherwise machine formed. When made of plastic various parts may be molded.

In constructing the table portions of the invention a top I of desired dimensions is used.

Across each end of the underside of the top is secured a spacing and leg securing block 2. It will be noticed that these blocks do not extend the full width of the top I. They stop a short distance from each side edge, for a purpose to be later disclosed. Extending lengthwise of the table top are two leg racks 3, one at each side. They extend the full length of the table top and are spaced from it a distance equal to the width of end blocks 2. Their ends are connected to the lower sides of block 2 near the ends of those blocks. The width of racks 3 is ample to receive and support the extension leg sections and side rails hereinafter, referred to. In assembly, the outer longitudinal edge of each rack falls in the sameplane as that of the corresponding table top edge. So assembled, there is a space between I and 3. This space is maintained by blocks 2 connected, respectively, to top I and racks 3, in their spaced relation. Within this space are removably stored extension leg sections 4, between the respective rack and the table top. These extension leg sections are of such dimensions as to just comfortably fit between the end blocks 2, the top i and the leg racks 3. Small metal angle plates or similar stop devices 5 are provided to limit movement of section 4 inwardly beneath top I and prevent their interference with a shelf removably disposed beneath the top and between such leg sections. These stops also keep the section 4 properly, compactly and neatly stored.

The underside of table top I is longitudinally flanged from end to end as at 6 along each edge. The corresponding upper side of each leg rack 3 is similarly longitudinally flanged. Each pair of flanges provides a way or track to receive a side rail 1. When the side rails are in their flanges 6 they are substantially flush with the adjacent faces of extension leg sections 4, so that the leg sections 4, in storage, are completely boxed in. Also, when in place,

these rails provide a complete side wall finish for the table top assembly. Preferably, each rail is provided with a small socket 8 adapted to yieldingly receive a spring pressed plunger 9 in a bore in one end of one of the end blocks 2. Thus, when slipped into place, the respective side rail will be yieldingly held in place. The extension leg sections, after being seated in their storage space and before the side rails I are slipped into place, are secured in storage by a 3 wire rod in and cooperating hairpins H. The hairpins are looped wires with their ends somewhat laterally deflected. The looped wires are of substantially the same, diameter as bores through the leg sections so that the loops may pass through aligned bores of two sections and project slightly beyond the remote side of the leg section, the spread ends engaging the leg section at the entering side and acting as an anchor to prevent further passage of the hairpin through the assembled bores. The looped hook at one end of the rod is passed through the end of the loop of that hairpin and the rod is drawn tight to seat the opposite end hook in the loop end of the corresponding hairpin --|l at the other side. The deflected ends of hairpins ll, actually, do not project beyond" sections 4. They bed in the edges or ends of the bores or holes through 4, so that the corresponding side-rails 1 may fit close against the leg sections Without interruption and without being caught or scratched by those deflected ends when the side rails are slid into or out of place. 7

Beneath the top and between the stored extension leg sections 4 is a space only slightly less in area than the table top. Removably disposed within this space is a bookshelf l2. In

order to permit placing and withdrawal of this shelf one of the end blocks 2 is provided with a slot [3 of such dimensions as to enable ready passage of the shelf therethrough beneath the table top. Block 2-, at the opposite end is provided with a seating and supporting recess into which the remote or entering end of shelf l2, when-stored, slips. Thus shelf I2 is adequately supported-at-its opposite ends in that recess and inslot I 3 andlies parallel with and close to the table top. To prevent shelflZ accidentally slipping back through slot 13 and, at the same time, present a finished appearance to the table end a closure bar 14 is provided. This bar has the same dimensions, approximately, as that of slot l3 and it isprovided with a pin in one end adapted to seatin a recess or bore in the corresponding end of *slot i3. This bar is locked in place by a pin l 5 adapted to be passed through a bore in i4 and through an-alignable bore in the adjacent part of =2. v

Hing-ed onto blocks 2 to swing upwardly toward each other and toward the under surface of "the .table topl are pairs'ofvlegs' I6 each of a length approximately equal to the distance between end blocks 2. Each pair is pivoted to one of the end blocks. Incollap'sed or folded up position these pairs of. legs lie below the top I and between the side rails l'and end-blocks 2. In collapsed position the blocks 2 and side rails I project from the table top I slightly beyond legs 16. Since both sets of legs l6 extend the full distance between blocks 2rone set is so spaced that it will nest between the legs of the other set; i. e.,.fthe legs of one pair are spaced apart sufii'c'iently to enable them to straddle the other pair, or a distance corresponding 'to the outside distance of the straddled pair.

As will be re'adily' understood, th'ese pivotally connected 'legs could not support the table unless secured-against pivotal movement. This is Side.

.pivotalgconnection and the table would collapse. However, with two bolts at each end there is a positively locked or anchored connection with all pivoted movements eliminated.

With the side rails so connected a table suitable for bed-side use is provided. At one end, mounted on block 2, beneath top I and provided with the usual electrical connection is a light socket H. In this position, with the table as a bedside table, the light would be shielded from the patient in the bed and yet Would be ample for "all necessary purposes. Near "the opposite end a second light in a similar socket l8 may provide additional light. It is similarly shielded from the patient. Either or both may be used at any desired time. Light I8, as will later appear, has another important use.

This bedside table may be readily converted into a cofiee table by disconnecting the side rails, crossing the legs [6 and bolting them in that position, as shown in Fig. 5. For the purpose of connecting the side rails 1 and for the purpose of connecting theleg sections 4 to the legs [6, the legs l6 and the sections 4 are provided with a series of spaced'bores l9 selectively alignable.

The more closely spaced pair of legs 16 carry two massage rollers 20 and 2i journaled therebetween near opposite ends of the legs. Roller 20 is of convex contour for use on the instep. It is close to the lamp l8 and is heated b'y'i't. Warmth is very beneficial inmuscle kneading and massaging. While'lamp f8 is a good means of heating roller 20, other means may be used. It could readily be made hollow 'with a lamp,

resistance element or other heating means inside. To use the foot'massage'roller it is'onl'y necessary to disconnect the pairs of legs t6 and collapse them to the'position parallel with the table top andturn'the table upside down; i The user then simply works his foot back and forth over the roller.

When the muscles'of the calf are stiii or sore, the. concave roller 2| may be used. This roller 'is'spaced fromroller 20 adi'stance "approximately equal to the average le'glength between instep and calf. Foru'se to massage the calf, the legs l6 should be bolted together in a position to make it possible for the user to set in a chair and slip the device between his leg and the chair in such position as will place roller H in 'position to comfortably receive and seat the users calf. This assemblage and bolting are-shown "in Fig. 7.

As has previously-been stated, one pair of the legs I6 is more wi'delyspaced'thanthefother. "In folding down or collapsing the pairs of leg the more widely spaced pair are the first collapsed. Then the other pair, carrying rollers '20 and 2| are collapsed within or between the first pair.

In connecting the side rails l to legs l6, due to the above difference in spacing of legs T5 of each pair, the respective rail end conne'ct'e'd to a leg of the more closely spaced pair is connected on the outside of the legs whereas the opposite rail end is connected on the inside or the leg. This maintains the side rails in approximately parallel relation. Likewise, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 when the extension leg sections4 are bolted on, those secured to the more closely spaced ones are-secured along their inner sides. This assembly alignsthe extension leg sections and the leg sections in a longitudinal-direction relativelytothelength-oithetable.

By attaching extension sections 4 along the inner faces of the more widelyspaced legs IS, the upper ends of these sections provide good supports for that end of the shelf 12, when in place. The opposite end rests on and is supported by a cross bar 22 carried by the same pair of legs I6 which carry rollers 20 and 2 I. It hardly need be stated that in attaching sections 4 to legs l6 they will be so disposed as to place the shelf supporting upper ends of sections 4 at the same distance from the ends of legs It as is the shelf supporting side or edge of cross bar 22,

so that shelf l2 will be parallel with the table top I when the table is set up on its extensions.

All of this is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will also be noted that, in set up or assembled relation, with the extension legs applied, the side rails I are close to but slightly above the shelf l2. They cooperate with the shelf to retain thereon books, papers or other objects. The four corners of the shelf are notched out as at 23 to permit the shelf ends to extend between the legs I6, at both ends while the shelf itself, extends approximately the full distance between the side rails, from rail to rail and for the full distance lengthwise between the pairs of legs l6. At the same time, the overall length of the shelf is not too great to permit it to be completely stored beneath the table top within the extreme ends of the end blocks 2.

It is thought the construction, operation and use of the invention will be clear from the preceding detailed description.

Many changes may be made in the construction, arrangement and disposition of the various parts of the invention within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the field of the invention and it is meant to include all such within this application wherein only one preferred form has been illustrated purely by way of example and with no thought or intention to, in any degree, limit the invention thereby.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. Combination furniture of the character described comprising, a table top, legs supporting said table top, a shelf, means carried by said legs for supporting one end of said shelf in an opera tive position and extension legs connected to said legs for supporting the opposite end of said shelf in such operative position, end blocks carried by the underside of said table top near its ends and extending downwardly therefrom, one of said end blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slot therethrough, said shelf in stored position beneath said table top being supported at one end in said slot and means for securing said shelf in such stored position beneath said table top.

2. Combination furniture of the character described comprising, a table top, legs supporting said table top, a shelf, means carried by said legs for supporting one end of said shelf in an operative position and extension legs connected to said legs for supporting the opposite end of said shelf in such operative position, side rails closely above said shelf and means connecting said rails and said legs and maintaining said table legs in operative position, end blocks carried by the underside of said top near its ends and extending downwardly therefrom, one of said blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slot therethrough, said shelf in stored position beneath said table top being supported at one end in'said slot and means for securing said shelf in such stored position beneath said table top.

3. Combination furniture of the character de- 6, scribed comprising, a table top, legs supporting. said table top and detachably secured thereto,a; shelf, means carried by said legs for supporting one end of said shelf in an operative position, ex-' tension legs detachably connected to said legs for supporting the opposite end of said shelf in such operative position, end block carried by the un-' derside of said table top near its ends and extending downwardly therefrom, one of said end blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slot therethrough, said shelf in stored position beneath said table top being supported at one end in said slot, means for securing said shelf in such stored position beneath said table top, channel racks secured to said end blocks and extending longitudinally beneath the edges of said table top and means for securing said legs and leg extensions in said racks. 1

4. Combination furniture of the character described comprising, a table top, legs supporting said table top and detachably connected thereto; a shelf, means carried by said legs for supporting one end of said shelf in operative position, ex-. tension legs detachably connected to said legs for supporting the opposite end of said shelf in such operative position, side rails closely above said shelf, means connecting said rails and said table legs and maintaining said table legs in operative position, end blocks carried by the underside of said table top near its ends and extending downwardly therefrom, one of said end blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slot therethrough, said shelf in stored position beneath said table top, being supported at one end in said slot, means for securing said shelf in such stored position beneath said table top, channel racks secured to said end blocks and extending longitudinally beneath the edges of said table top and means by which said legs and leg extensions are adapted to be secured in said channel racks when said legs are in stored positions and means by which said side rails are adapted to be secured in said channel racks when said side rails are in stored positions.

5. Combination furniture of the character described comprising, a table top, legs supporting said table top, a shelf, means carried by said legs for supporting one end of said shelf in an operative position and extension legs connected to said legs and supporting the opposite end of said shelf in such operative position, side rails closely above said shelf and means connecting said rails and said table legs and maintaining said table legs in operative position, end blocks carried by the underside of said table top near its ends and extending downwardly therefrom, one of said end blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slot therethrough, said shelf in stored position beneath said table top being supported at one end in said slot, a closure bar for said slot and means for securing said closure bar in position.

6. Combination furniture of the character described comprising, a table top, end blocks carried by the underside of said table top near its ends and extending downwardly therefrom, one of said end blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slot therethrough, a pair of supporting legs pivoted to one of said end blocks to swing toward and from the underside of said table top to a position longitudinally of and parallel with said table top, a second pair of supporting legs pivoted to the other of said end blocks to swing toward and from the underside of said table top to a position longitudinally of and parallel with said table top and between the legs of the first leg and summingpne-p p s t end] of said shelf in seen" and side" rails closely alioi said-supportingbateiztendingbetween the sozf leg s and eaehioonnecte'd at one'end to the f on'efleg'of theseondmefntioned pair the othenlegof theifirstflmentioned pair of leg and maintaining said" legs" in operative positidii,

7-.- cdfinsniann" furniture ofthech'araoter described comprising, a table top, legs siipporting said table top and dt'a'chably secured thereto, a shelfi rneanscarried by s aid legsfo'r supporting onefle'n'd of said" shelf in" an operative position, extension-mesdetachablyseeured to said legs for supporting-the opposite end of said shelf in sueh"operative position,- e'nd blocks carried by the underside of said table topnear its ends andextendingdownwardly-therefrorn, one of said end blocks being; provided with a" shelf receiving slot therethrougn'said shelf in stored position beneath said tabletop being supported at one end insaid slot,- meafis for securing said shelf in s'uohstredposlitiOn beneath said table top, channel: ranks "secured to said end blocks and extending longitudinally beneath the'edges of said table top-and rneansforse euring said legs and leg ex tensions in said r'acks'said securing means, in

operative positionpeiitending completely across slot theretii'rdiighlf said shelf stored pbsiti'o beneath Sald tab1 top being supported at one. endfin'said slot, means for securing" said sl'ielfiiii" sueh'stored position beneath 'sa'ifd tabletop cl'l'an nel racks seopred to said end blocks and'extend'n ing longitudinally beneath the edges" of'saidjtable top, stops adjacent" said channel racks and adapted to preventpassage of a leg se'c'tionb yorid a predeterminedjpoi'nt and means for s'eo'u'i"- ing' said leg extensions and legs in said racks" 9 Combination furniture of the chariater" do? scribed comprising,a table top, legs supporting" said table top; a shelf, means carried bysaidl for supporting one end of said sh'elf'ina'ii ope tive position and extension legs connected to said legs for supporting'thejopposite nd of said 5 w in such operative LiOSition, sider'ails closely ab said shelf and means con'ecti'ng said railsj said legs'a'nd 'niaintaining' said table legs in 'operative' position'end blocks? carried b'y the uncle side of said top near its I ends and extend downwardly therefrom, one of said end blocks being provided with a shelf receiving slotithe' "e3 througm said shelf in stored position'beneath said" table top being supported at one endin said s tj means for securing said shelfjin storedposition beneath saidtable top, channel'ra ck'scarried said end blocks and extending longitudinally of said table top beneath its edgesjpajnd" frietional" holdingdevices for yieldinglyiholdingth aforesaid" rails in storage in said racks. 7

SAMUEL L; CONRADZ T 

